A Night on the Tiles

“Experience the magical beauty of our tiles, changing their color as we spend time together”

Classy joints in Shinsaibashi are hard to find. Further to the west, crossing over the mental barrier of Yostubashi-suji, the discerning drinker can find a better classy establishment.

Tile is a perfect example of this, and has an ambience unmatched by its brasher neighbours. Located two blocks west of Horie Park, Tile is an antidote to the cramped, subterranean holes normally associated with drinking in the south of Osaka. Although there were actually very few tiles in evidence, and the slogan by the entrance did more to confuse than reassure (see above), a night at Tile is an excellent way to experience a different side to Osaka’s often hectic nightlife.

Although it is just over three years old, the bar feels new – the wood and metal interior of the first floor serves to provide an interesting contrast of the new and the comfortable. The freestanding bar dominates the downstairs space, with seating for at least 30 to 40 patrons, as well as ample seating at the tables that line the walls. Tasteful design features and moody lighting work well with the chilled out housey sounds that dominate the playlist. In keeping with the surrounding theme of attention to design, Tile is currently hosting Infobar, an AU-sponsored design project.
Tile acts as more than just a bar, however.

There are comprehensive lunch and dinner menus, centered around a Korean theme, so you could spend the whole day there, should the mood take you. Take advantage of the Korean nabe while the weather still demands it — at 1300 per person it won’t break the bank and offers a warming base for the variety of Korean wines and liquers that Tile offers. Makkori is available for 780, and Shukoshu is 1200 a bottle. There is also a selection of Korean barbeque dishes, ranging from 480 to 880. Lunch is from 12 to 5, and dinner runs until midnight on most nights.

Upstairs is a different story – you feel like you’ve wandered into some wealthy pimp’s pad. Again, there is a comfortable feel to the place, although this time the effect is achiev-ed through attention to velvet and zebra-stripes, albeit done in a very tasteful way.
Weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) are given over to DJs, who play a mix of house and R&B, with occasional forays into old school hip-hop. Tile have been hosting events for the last three months, in addition to their regular DJ nights. Generally there is no charge, and drinks are 500 a pop. The bar is open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 1 on weekdays.

Tile takes on a number of different roles, but retains its sense of style with aplomb regardless of whether you choose to see it as a café, a restaurant or a club.

TILE
1F: Bar & Lounge • 2F: Cafe & Dining
1-4-26 Minami-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Tel: 06-6534-2228

Text & Photos: Euan Mckirdy